Episodes
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Blending for the PUPS program has been incredibly insightful. Micro-blending 3-5 barrels at a time and then putting that blend back into the very barrels they came from seems to add a lot of interesting nuance from barrel to barrel, instead of just letting the blend rest in totes until bottling. So much so that Kenny and Ryan have decided to start from scratch and standardize this process for all blends moving forward. Today, we talk about how that will fold into the production of the core products.
We hit on:
The micro-blending process for PUPS
What marrying the blends in the casks offers versus marrying in a tote
Would this process have been feasible if you were still working out of BBC instead of your own facility?
Presumably this will make a better product moving forward, but do you think it will be noticeable?
Will this throw off the blend breakdown and balance we are used to in Pursuit United flagship?
Does this change anything about inventory allotment for PUPS vs flagship blends?
What do you think draws people to the PUPS program seemingly over the flagship?
Is this a sustainable direction to take?
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Will consumers become tired of Kentucky bourbon? With the rise of non-Kentucky brands gaining recognition for their quality whiskey, Kentucky bourbon still holds a strong position in the market due to its long-established reputation and consumer perception of safety and acceptance.
While Kentucky will likely continue to hold the cache of consumer preferences, today we debate whether consumers will move past the big six Kentucky brands, or Kentucky in general, and latch on or explore other options. We'd love to hear from you on this!
We hit on:
Non-Kentucky brands like Ben Holladay, JT Meleck, Still Austin and Frey Ranch gaining recognition for their quality whiskey.
Kentucky bourbon still holds a strong position in the market due to its long-established reputation and consumer perception of safety and acceptance
Consumers may be hesitant to move past the big six Kentucky brands due to familiarity and brand recognition
The cache of Kentucky will likely continue due to marketing and consumer preferences
Are there Kentucky Bourbons being made that are still riding the 'Kentucky Badge of Honor' that aren't very good?
As a blender, why does Kentucky matter as a point of inclusion if that isn’t a focus of the product (or even on the label)?
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Missing episodes?
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You know what they say about all work and no play. Today, Kenny and Ryan are back in the studio after a week off. We break down their trips, discuss the access to bourbon outside of our Kentucky bubble, and the importance of stepping away from time to time.
We hit on:
Taking time off for vacation being important for mental and physical health
Bourbons popularity to other spirits at outside of Kentucky
The challenges of being a whiskey-focused company in a market dominated by mass-market liquors
Meeting demand and planning for future growth being ongoing challenges for the company
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Everyone has seen it play out: there's a bottle you cant get, really want to get, or you see someone else get it... and now you gotta have it. We saw it ourselves with the positive reception to the Pursuit United Double Oaked release, but what made it more hyped than our other offerings? In today's episode, we talk about what drives hype for certain brands and bottles, and explore the playbook for building and maintaining it.
We hit on:
In a world of Double Oaked products, what was it about Pursuit United Double Oaked that has so many talking about it?
Hype in the whiskey industry being driven by factors such as scarcity, limited availability, and the desire for status.
The innate human condition that has us wanting to fit in with the masses.
Seeing hype play out involving a buzz through press releases, influencers, and social media.
Balancing the needs of the mass market and whiskey enthusiasts being important for brand success.
Is playing into the hype game really in the best interest of the consumer, or for the brand, or can it be both?
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
"As longtime fans of vintage whiskey, we wanted to craft something truly special that gives a nod to the best bottles we've been lucky enough to try over the years," said Ryan Cecil, Master Blender and Co-Founder of Pursuit Spirits. "This double oaked release encapsulates part of that nostalgic flavor profile but in a modern, premium bourbon experience."
In the works for nearly a year, the guys finally announced the release of Pursuit Spirits Double Oaked Bourbon. In today's episode, we unpack a bunch of questions around the product ahead of it's release at the Warehouse & Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, March 15th.
We hit on:
Why did we decide to roll out a Double Oaked Bourbon?
What should people expect from the product?
Can you describe the secondary finishing and partnership with InnerStave?
How does this differ from the Oak Collection line?
Will there be a Double Oaked Rye?
What does the inclusion of Double Oaked in the Pursuit United Private Selection look like?
What does distribution look like for this product?
Details of the release weekend
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
In this episode, the boys discuss their recent trip to DC and Maryland to launch Pursuit Spirit in the new market. They share their experiences with visiting on-premise accounts, bottle signings, engaging with customers and store owners and standing in awe at the bourbon mecca - Jack Rose. The guys highlight the positive reception of their products and the success of their private selection program. They also mention unique liquor store experiences and the importance of building relationships to make sales. They also had the opportunity to meet with their ambassador team and conduct general sales meetings with the distributor. The trip highlighted the importance of distributor partnerships and the value of engaging with fans and customers, with no shortage of stories in this jam-packed visit. Thanks to everyone who came out and made this launch such a success, we really wouldn't be here without each and everyone one of you.
We hit on:
Building strong relationships with distributors being crucial for successful brand promotion.
Engaging with fans and customers in person helping create a personal connection and build brand loyalty.
Visiting different markets allowing for valuable insights and opportunities to tailor marketing strategies.
The support and positive reception from fans and customers being both humbling and encouraging for the brand's growth.
Takeaways the guys learned from this trip about the brand.
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Stemming from the episode of the Bourbon Pursuit podcast with John Foster of Ragged Branch, today's episode comes from a few listeners of the show, Todd and David, as Kenny discusses the process of choosing distributors specifically for Pursuit Spirits. We touch on topics such as the three-tier distribution system, the role of distributors in the industry, and the challenges of market launches and incentives. We also share experiences with different distributors and the importance of building relationships in the industry. Kenny discusses the challenges of managing skew sprawl and UPCs in the bourbon industry. He explains how Pursuit Spirits aims to strike a balance between batch uniqueness and consumer familiarity. He also shares advice for those starting in the industry, emphasizing the importance of education and consulting. He explores different distribution models and the goals brands may have, whether it's long-term brand building or rapid expansion... but where is Pursuit in all of this?
We hit on:
Choosing the right distributor being crucial for a brand's success in the spirits industry.
The three-tier distribution system presenting both challenges and opportunities for brands.
Market launches, market support, and building relationships with distributors and retailers.
Different distributors strengths and capabilities, and the importance of finding the right one for each market.
Brand consideration of their goals and a distribution model that aligns with their long-term plans, whether it's slow brand building or rapid expansion.
Pursuit Spirits' own business model.
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
On today’s show we discuss the topic of innovation in the bourbon industry and explore the different ways brands differentiate their products. We question whether there is anything left to innovate and the reasons consumers are drawn to finished whiskeys. The conversation touches on the marketing strategies of brands and the perception of American finished whiskeys compared to other products such as Scotch whisky. We also discuss the potential for future innovations and trends in the industry.
We hit on:
The bourbon industry has seen a proliferation of finished whiskeys as a way for brands to differentiate their products.
Consumers are drawn to finished whiskeys because they are marketed as unique and innovative.
Do you think brands see these as products missing in the market, or is it a way to grab new consumers?
There is still room for innovation in the use of different types of oak and wood influences in bourbon production.
The perception and marketing of finished whiskeys differ between bourbon and Scotch whisky.
Future innovations in the industry may involve exploring new flavors and blending techniques.
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
There are always small hurdles and goals we are continually going through here at the distillery, but we have to make sure we pull back a bit to look at some of the larger picture goals and projects for 2024, with the largest one being the space on Whiskey Row. From hiring to interior design to drink menus, there are so many moving pieces that need focus over the next 9-10 months and we dive into those today.
We hit on:
How do you forecast on hand stock for products/blends going into a full retail experience?
What is the current state of the building, and what architectural challenges are you facing?
What does it look like to analyze your label and packaging to ensure it communicates clearly to the most amount of consumers or potential consumers?
What is the current consumer even looking for in a bottle design?
What is the direction of the barrels and blends and products slated for 2024?
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
From PUPS to Whiskey Row to new states of distribution, there are a lot of moving pieces as we roll into 2024. On today's episode, Kenny dives into some of the podcast stats from the last year and we begin focusing on a potential key area of growth for our ambassador program in the new year. All this and more, on episode 053: Metrics & Early Goals.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Throughout the year we’ve talked about all sorts of things going on with the brand, the guys, the company, the warehouse…everything. This time last year, where did we hope we’d be at the end of the year, and are we there yet? How are things different than we expected? Today on the podcast we reflect on 2023.
We hit on:
At this time in 2022 we didn’t know we’d be in the building we are now in. Do you still feel you made the right move on this location or what could you have pictured in a different location?
How big of an advantage do you have getting hands on time with some of the barrels daily, as opposed to the distance with them stored at Bardstown?
What are some hopes or expectations you had going into 2023, and have you met them or are you still working toward them?
With the new folks joining the team to help with the operations around the building, where does that turn your focus as we head into 2024?
The ambassador program is one of the things that began in 2023. Are there any metrics that show the impact of that for the brand in the markets we are in?
Are there more SKUs we are looking to turn on in 2024 or is that more forward thinking?
What would you say is your key takeaway or biggest learning point from 2023?
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
We’ve talked for awhile now that as we’ve been bringing people in for tastings and experiences at the distillery, and it has been an amazing time to bring people in, that Kenny and Ryan have lead all those experiences. As fun as that is, it isn’t scalable to the business for that to always take place and we needed people to be an extension of Kenny and Ryan. People who can speak on their behalf, know the product, and can show folks a great time when they visit.
As a fan suggestion to the podcast, today we are going to meet the new additions to the crew: Joe, Sarah, and Tim. There are so many directions we went with this episode, so don’t miss a minute of it.
We hit on:
What is everyone’s back story?
How did everyone get into the industry?
What led you to bourbon specifically?
What does it look like to go through the University of Louisville’s Distilled Spirits program?
How does Joe feel about being the most advanced Cicerone in Kentucky?
Is there something about the brand, the guys, or the whiskey that surprised you about Pursuit Spirits?
and much more.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
The Bottle Your Own and Pursuit Breakdown Tastings are now live, and we’re bringing team members in to help run various operations to get the guys free to keep doing what they’ve always done: make awesome podcasts and make awesome whiskey. That said, the needs of the business keep growing, sometimes multiplying, and always have them pulled in one direction or the other. We sit down with Kenny in a laid back chat. Now that the distillery is bringing people regularly in, where does focus now shift? Does this allow for time to relax, to break away? What’s the next project to work through taking this business from bourbon to brand?
All this and more on today’s Stout Friday episode.
Be sure to visit pursuitspirits.com and click on Visit Us to book a tasting or barrel selection experience. For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
We’ve been up and running at the distillery for several weeks now. We’ve processed barrels, worked on blends, we’ve had friends and family and Patreon members in to help us iron out the experience that will soon be open to the public. While we recently had Kenny talk with us about the process to getting the distillery open, now we want to talk the fun part: what we have to show everyone.
Join us today as we talk with the guys about what to expect from the soon-to-open bottle your own experience here at Pursuit HQ.
We hit on:
Will the experience always be led by Kenny and/or Ryan?
Will it be a walk up location, or reservation only?
What are you wanting guests to be able to experience here that may be unlike other distillery experiences?
How has the experience been shaped with early practice? What have you learned in those first pilot tours?
What has been the most common feedback you’ve received so far?
and much more.
For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Pursuit United Private Selection is here. We previously talked with Kenny about turning the warehouse into a functioning distillery, but now that we’re up and running it is time to get liquid to lips. On today’s episode both Kenny and Ryan are on discussing what the PUPS program looks like for stores and groups as well as in-person experiences and what you may expect.
We hit on:
What was the genesis in how you started thinking about a private selection process?
With your model of sourcing for Pursuit United with the different states and mash bills, how did that fold into the PUPS concept?
We initially talked about doing a micro batch program for barrel selection, what were some of the flaws in this system which made you pivot to something different?
Will there be offerings for both full barrel selection as well as a bottle-your-own experience?
After your first in-person selection/tasting, did you identify things that you know you’ll need to change or do differently in the future?
and much more.
For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Ryan is out living la vida loca again, so Brian sits down with Kenny to discuss the warehouse/studio now being a licensed distillery, and the road it took to get the permitting and licenses over the last year.
We hit on:
What were the reasons for having the licensed distillery/bottling location, as an NDP, outside of solely the downtown location we previously announced?
What did it take to engineer and architect a distillery in the location that you all found?
What hurdles did you have to go through that took longer than expected?
What hurdles did you have to go through that you didn't expect?
What does this mean for the future of Pursuit Spirits, and the downtown location?
and much more.
For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Fresh off the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky and Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville, Kentucky, Ryan and Kenny break down their experiences at the shows this year, what was different about last year, and what they hope for in 2024.
We hit on:
In what ways did you see brands stand out from the crowd at Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
How was the reception at the festival this year compared to last year?
What was the reception like of the first private selections done from Pursuit Spirits?
Was there a significant difference being able to sell bottles at the show now that you all have your DSP?
What was the most well-received product from Pursuit at the festival?
Knowing what you know from last year, and now this year, what would you do differently going into 2024?
At Bourbon & Beyond, how does the 'bourbon' presence fit into what is primarily a music festival?
and much more.
For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
While we are usually talking all things Pursuit Spirits or the backstage of the business, today we are taking a rare opportunity to taste through this year’s Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch, and each of the 4 components that make it up, to see if we can peel back a bit of Brent Elliott’s brain on how he put together this year’s annual bottling. Aged 12-25 years old, and bottled at 108 proof, we taste through a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old OESV recipe, which features notes of delicate fruit and caramel; a 14- year-old OESK recipe, with notes of baking spice; and a 25-year-old OBSV recipe that boasts delicate fruit and rye flavors.
Did you enjoy this episode? Would be interested in us doing more like it? Let us know!
For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected].
Learn more about the Four Roses recipes at the link below.
https://www.fourrosesbourbon.com/our-recipes
Is there anything better than sitting next to a campfire with a bourbon in your hand? Absolutely not.
Here's your chance to win a Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 to accompany that bottle of Pursuit United. Sip on Pursuit United, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the evening.
https://brbn.at/win -
There can be a lot of confusion when it comes to the term 'NDP' or Non-Distilling Producer and a producer who makes contract distilling purchases. Both are, in essence, buying whiskey instead of making whiskey, but what other factors are at play to separate these two?
We hit on:
What does the sourced market inventory pool generally look like?
What is the largest hurdle for brands at the mercy of the sourced market?
What does it look like for a brand to use either model long-term?
What has it looked like for brands that have started in the sourced market and pivoted to their own distilling or contract distilling?
For someone who does rely on contract distillation, are there concerns with expansions, buyouts, brands going in different directions etc. from those who are producing whiskey for them and those implications to your brand?
How do you differentiate your brand from others when so many have access to, essentially, the same base product?
and much more.
For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. -
Our most recent press release revealed to the public the plans to put a physical location and experience for Bourbon Pursuit and Pursuit Spirits in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Today, the guys open up about the plans for the location, some of the challenges so far, and challenges coming up in the foreseeable future.
We hit on:
What led to the opportunity for a physical space for Pursuit downtown?
What does it mean to be a passion project of the industry instead of a legacy-driven name like other bourbon experiences people have been able to go to thus far?
What do you hope people can experience in the Pursuit space that is unlike other bourbon experiences?
What are some of the hurdles you’ve had to go through so far in getting the space to where it is now?
What are some of the future challenges or fears you see still in the way?
and much more.
For questions or topic requests on upcoming episodes, email us at [email protected]. - Show more
